Memorial Day

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Memorial Day! I had the chance to visit the moving wall in Westerville on Saturday. It was a humbling experience and it really made me think about the sacrifices that have been made so that we can enjoy the priveledges of living in a free country. If you haven't had a chance to visit the Moving wall (a replica of the one in Washington), take a minute and check out the virtual wall.

Peace.

Columbus Asian Fest

The Columbus Asian festival is this weekend, which is fun for everyone! Whether you're looking for something fun for your kids, to pickup a cool art deco piece, or checkout one of the awesome food vendors, you'll be happy with this event (going on May 29-30 at Franklin Park). Find out more here.

Although he doesn't fare well, you have to give Mayor Coleman props for entertaining the idea of taking on a SUMO wrestler!

Mortgage 101

I found this refreshingly conservative article on mortgages. There is also a lengthy list of real estate terms (mostly mortgage related).

The information is quite general so if you're ready to buy a home, get in touch with me. Once I know your situation, I can recommend the right Mortgage company and loan officer for your situation. I refuse to write my own article on this subject because 1-It never fails...the information will be stale next week. 2-Although I know a lot about financing, a Realtor is not a lender 3-Each lender has different programs, portfolio products, etc. so "facts" often change from lender to lender.

I would, however LOVE to see some local lenders start to blog. After all, as good as your newsletters are, they eventually get deleted...blogs stick around forever! Oh, and consumers and Realtors are inundated with e-mails. Blogging allows the ability for your referral sources and clients to look this stuff up on their own time.

To Remodel Or Not To Remodel

The Cost Vs. Value report comes out every year and details the improvements that give you the most bang for your buck when remodeling your home. I wouldn't call it gospel but it's always interesting. When making improvements, you'll likely be personally benefiting from them as well as increasing the resale value of your home and are hopefully aware that you won't net 100% of the amount you put into the repairs...if not, take a minute.

Now that that's out of the way, let's get into what returns the biggest amount of your precious money back to you. Deck additions and siding replacement seem to net the most (percentage-wise). I'll always be a huge proponent of updating outdated kitchens and baths, which are pretty high on the ROI (return on investment) scale as well. Finishing basements and replacing inefficient windows are a good bet too. Take a look at Columbus's report here.

I included the National report as well if want to forward it on to someone out of town...or live outside of Columbus yourself. Check it out here.

It should also be noted that if any of these items in your home are resaleable now, save your money! In today's uncertain market, I would greatly discourage you from making unnecessary improvements in your home...even if you want to. If you have any questions, send me pictures of your potential project and I'll give you my opinion.

Olentangy River Trail

Part of my responsibility as a great Realtor is to stay informed of events, venues, etc. in and around Columbus, Ohio. It's not that every client needs this information but many times I work with home buyers that are relocating from another area or don't go out of their comfort zone on a regular basis. Plus it's just good stuff to know!

I'm embarrased to admit that I've lived in Columbus for 10+ years now and never knew what a stupendous resource we have in the Olentangy (pronounced Olen-tan-jee) Trail. Having been to several of the parks that the Olentangy Trail connects was definitely not the same as biking the trail that connects the parks.

For those who aren't aware, this park has a history. What is now the Olentangy

Village apartments was once an amazing amusement park.The depression put an end to that era but the park has thrived on a more natural beauty.

The scents emerging from the lilac and rose bushes are captivatingly energizing and the sights of ducks cleaning their ducklings and deer napping along the river were ones I will never forget. If you're more of a sports fan, stop and catch one of the baseball, soccer, or frolf games going on...or bring your tennis racket or ball of choice since there are plenty of tennis courts and green space to go around. There are jungle gyms around every corner for the kids and dogs are everywhere so don't leave Fido out of the fun. You can also head to Antrim's gorgeous lake to jog along the pedestrian only trail surrounding it or bring your fishing pole as this lake is STOCKED (make sure to get your fishing license first).

People watching is a most fun past time as well and Olentangy does not disappoint on that front either. We even saw Santa Claus on roller blades!

Here is a link to the bike trail map and here are a few links to parks that the Olentangy Trail will wind you through:

Olentangy Parklands (link is to the revitalization project details)

Antrim Park

Whetstone's Park of Roses

Lower Scioto Trail

There's no need to bike but for those of you who haven't checked out out some of these amazing natural resources our area has to offer, I challenge you to check them out this summer. I'd say "first times free" but it always is...and you'll be back!

Lead Based Paint Regs Change

Update (7.6.2010)-As reported in the Ohio Association of Realtors online magazine, "The EPA has decided to delay until Oct 1, enforcement of its new "Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting Rule" in order to provide building professionals more time to receive training and certification in the removal of lead-based paint."

If you own a home or rental that was built prior to 1978, there are some new regulations that were set in place late last month. If you plan to renovate or repair and the work involves more than six square feet of painted surface per room (interior) or 20 square feet for exterior work, the owners and tenants (if it's a rental) must receive information on lead-based paint hazards prior to the renovation. Contractors performing the renovation must also be certified (meaning they've taken an eight hour course from an EPA accredited trainer). To find out more, visit http://www.epa.gov/lead/

Bike to Work Challenge

Despite this not being completely real estate related, I decided to share this as many of my friends enjoy biking and networking with other active individuals...and I love biking and keeping people informed. Win/Win!

The Columbus Bike to work challenge begins on May 11th. May is also Bike month so if you're into biking but not interested in the challenge, here is a list of events to pick and choose from.

The picture? You all know what a bike looks like...the cat is just cute!

Computer tip: Anytime you see a hyperlink on my blog, click on it which will take you to another resourceful website. If you want to keep my site up, right click on the hyperlink and click "open in new tab". You can do this in any site, of course and when I was told about it, I nearly fell out of my chair. I use it ALL the time!

Honest Advertising

I like this guy! Taking it to the limit, which has probably been quite effective for his local market

Maybe I should start marketing my real estate services this way! So if you want a home, call me...or don't. But don't come crying to me when something goes awry...

Hmmmmmm